Hazards & Cautions: High winds from the east push water into the shallow and creates large waves.

Comments: Influenced by bedrock deposits, the southern part of the bay is shallow. Combined with low lakes levels, exposed bottom lands, intermittent wetlands and Great Lakes marshes are common, especially in Squaw Bay. Great area for birding from watercraft.

Hazards & Cautions: High winds from the east push water into the shallow and creates large waves.

Comments: The entrance road off Partridge Point Road to the DNR public access site is very rough and sometimes has large puddles. Influenced by bedrock, the southern part of the bay is shallow. Combined with low lakes levels, exposed bottom lands, intermittent wetlands and Great Lakes marshes are common, especially in Squaw Bay. Great area for birding from watercraft.

Route: ALPENA WATERFRONT

Distance: 3 Miles

Access Sites: 04-08, 04-10, 04-11, 04-13 & 04-14

Shoreline Land Use: Residential, commercial, industrial and parks,

Points of Interest: Numerous parks, marina, industrial facilities

Rest Stops: Numerous city parks

Hazards & Cautions: Recreational boat traffic particularly near the City Marina and the Thunder Bay River

Comments: Provides an interesting paddle along the city’s waterfront, views of residences, businesses, beaches, parks, wetlands, large ships and industries.

Hazards & Cautions: The segment is a long paddle across open water. Only recommended for groups of expert paddlers.

Comments: Camping is not allowed on Thunder Bay Island. This trip would require a round trip paddle or paddle onto to El Cajon Bay. Note it is a long portage to car parking through the Alpena Township Nature Preserve or the State Forest Land on El Cajon Bay.

Hazards & Cautions: Misery Bay has shallow areas and shoals that create difficulties in heavy waves. Only recommended for groups of expert paddlers.

Comments: Access to El Cajon Bay to launch a kayak requires a long portage. Access off Misery Bay Road through the Alpena Township Nature Preserve is a 0.8 mile hike and access through the State Forest property is a 0.5 hike. Camping is NOT allowed in the Nature Preserve. Camping is not allowed on Thunder Bay Island.

Hazards & Cautions: Misery Bay has shallow areas and shoals that create difficulties in heavy waves. Only recommended for groups of expert paddlers.

Comments: Access to El Cajon Bay to launch a kayak requires a long portage. Access off Misery Bay Road through the Alpena Township Nature Preserve is a 0.8 mile hike and access through the State Forest property is a 0.5 hike. Camping is NOT allowed in the Nature Preserve. Camping is not allowed on Thunder Bay Island.

Rest Stops: There are no rest stops between Rockport and El Cajon Bay.

Hazards & Cautions: When lake levels are low it's not possible to paddle the outlet from Ej Cajon Bay. A short Portage is necessary.

Comments: Access to El Cajon Bay to launch a kayak requires a long portage. Access off Misery Bay Road through the Alpena Township Nature Preserve is a 0.8 mile hike and access through the State Forest property is a 0.5 hike. Camping is NOT allowed in the Nature Preserve.

Route: MIDDLE ISLAND

Distance: 2.5 Miles

Access Sites: 04-18

Shoreline Land Use: Open water

Points of Interest: Middle Island Lighthouse

Rest Stops: Rest Stop on State Land of Middle Island

Hazards & Cautions: All Open water paddling. Only recommended for groups of expert paddlers.

Comments: Most of the island along with the lighthouse is privately owned. Respect the private owners and only stop at the state owned parcel on the northwest point of Middle Island.